What if I miss practicum days for illness or holidays?

In most programs, practicum hours reflect time you actually worked. A sick day, a site holiday, or a closure does not add to your total, but it also does not count against you as long as you still reach your required hours by the deadline. Check your handbook for any specific absence or make-up policy.

When you are sick

Stay home. Coming in sick helps no one, and many sites that serve vulnerable populations explicitly ask ill staff and students to stay away. Before your usual start time:

• Tell your preceptor by the channel you agreed on
• Mention any deadlines that might slip and whether a teammate can cover
• Ask whether remote work makes sense if you are well enough and your program allows remote hours

Holidays and site closures

Your site's calendar may not match your university's. Look ahead at the whole term for holidays, staff retreats, and planned closures, then build them into your schedule so a closed week does not surprise you in week ten.

Logging missed time

Record the absence rather than leaving a blank, for example "Out sick, no hours" or "Site closed for holiday." A short note keeps your log continuous and explains gaps when your preceptor or coordinator reviews it.

Making up the hours

Spread make-up time over several weeks instead of cramming it into one. Adding an hour or two to a few days is more sustainable and more useful to your site than a single marathon week. The minimum hours scramble has pacing strategies that help.

If you miss an extended stretch because of illness, a family emergency, or another serious reason, contact your practicum coordinator early. Programs often have options such as extended deadlines or an incomplete grade, but those are much easier to arrange before the term ends than after. Rest you take for recovery is legitimate; you do not owe anyone an apology for it.